The Market Stores, Reigate

Blandised Fuller's place - any charm and character has been ruthlessly eliminated and every non-floor surface is smothered in a slightly greener version of battleship grey. The main bar area is a cavernous nothingness. Two cask, Pride and a Dark Star. The former was long in the tooth and lacklustre (NBSS 2) which served as a handy metaphor for the place itself. You’d expect a Fuller’s pub in a posh town like Reigate to be much better than this.

This large Fuller's pub, situated pretty much slap bang in the centre of the town appears to be quite a popular haunt. Located just in front of Reigate Caves, it has a garden on the first floor level. Whilst I didn't venture upstairs, it seemed to be the place to head to. At ground level, there is a single large space that is quite modern in appearance, but is reasonably nicely decorated. A further outdoor space can be found to the side of the building in the passageway. The young bar staff seemed quite amenable, but were not too efficient in their service. Fuller's London Pride is the regular cask ale. Additional beers from the Fuller's stable were Gale's Spring Sprinter & Dark Star Hophead. I'd never actually tried the Spring Sprinter before and I have to say that I was very impressed. Indeed, it was possibly my favourite beer of the day. In addition to the cask ales, there were also 2 or 3 interesting craft beers. The Market Stores wasn't initially on my shortlist of pubs to visit in Reigate. But I would happily come here again.

Large pub in centre of town with street level and upstairs bars, and garden extending onto the hill behind. Visited at a quiet time of day which made the inside feel as cavernous as the caves behind. The eclectic mix of furniture features a lot of high stools and benches, with only a couple of 'comfortable' corners, which were of course occupied. London Pride and Oliver's Islands were the beers on offer, although there were some interesting-looking keg craft beers if you like that sort of thing.